Brandon Backe | Relief Pitcher

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Free agent Brandon Backe fully intends to pitch in 2011.

Backe was diagnosed with a partial thickness tear of his right rotator cuff in July of 2009 and has not pitched since. He registered a poor 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 31 starts back in 2008 -- his last full season. It's doubtful that he will be able to find anything more than a minor league deal. Tue, Nov 16, 2010 12:52:00 PM

Free agent Brandon Backe has been diagnosed with a partial thickness tear of his right rotator cuff and will seek a second opinion on his shoulder.

If Backe opts for surgery, the Astros would have to pay for it, even though they released him at the end of last month. Even if he chooses to rehab, it's doubtful that he'll pitch in the majors again this year. Thu, Jul 9, 2009 09:24:00 PM

Brewers GM Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Haudricourt that he has no interest in the recently-released Brandon Backe.

Brewers assistant general manager Gord Ash said Tuesday that the club might "take a look" at the former Astro, but it sounds like Milwaukee never had serious interest. Backe, 31, had a 10.38 ERA in 13 innings with the Astros this season. He was granted his release over the weekend. This bit of news bodes well for Mike Burns' chances of sticking with the team. Wed, Jul 1, 2009 02:17:00 PM

Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash said the team will "take a look" at Brandon Backe after he was released by the Astros.

Mike Burns' solid outing against the Mets on Tuesday may change the team's plans. Backe sported a 10.38 ERA in 13 innings with Houston and carries a career 5.23 ERA into free agency. The Brewers would be better off keeping their fingers crossed with Burns. Tue, Jun 30, 2009 10:18:00 PM

Keuchel, who won his third straight Gold Glove on Tuesday, didn't pitch after August 27 due to left shoulder inflammation. He's been working on strengthening his shoulder and will go for an MRI later this month. If he gets good news, he's hoping to be considered to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Keuchel will be aiming to rebound in 2017 after he posted a disappointing 4.55 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 26 starts.

Lance McCullers' agent, Scott Boras, said that there has been no medical indication that his client's elbow injury will have an effect on the 2017 season.

"There's nothing from the doctors that we've heard that would suggest that there's going to be any problem for '17," Boras said. McCullers was forced out of action in early August due to a mild elbow sprain, one which kept him on the shelf for the remainder of the regular season. He did progress to throwing a bullpen session in late September, but the Astros ultimately decided it would be best for his long-term prospects not to push the issue. GM Jeff Luhnow has said that he expects McCullers to be fully recovered by spring training.